IDENTIFICATION OF MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF ODONTOGENIC LESIONS BY BIOINFORMATICS TOOLS - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Abstract

Objectives The objective of this review was to systematically assess the bioinformatics methods currently used to recognize the molecular aspects of odontogenic lesions (OL). Study Design A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to March 2021, following the PRISMA statement. Studies presenting molecular findings of OL through bioinformatics methods were included. Results From 87 references, 9 full texts were screened, and 5 met the eligibility criteria. The articles were conducted in Europe, North America, and Asia between 2011 to 2020. All studies analyzed ameloblastoma samples, and 1 also used odontogenic keratocyst. Four studies (4, 80%) choose the microarray technology to characterize gene expression of the lesions, whereas 1 study (1/20%) applied the whole exome sequencing technology to identify mutation signatures. The results showed the microarray as a highly efficient approach for establishing gene expression and identifying noncoding transcripts (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and snoRNAs); information about the possible etiology of mandibular ameloblastoma was acquired through whole exome sequencing. Conclusions The microarray technology was the main method used in this systematic review. Bioinformatics technologies provide insights and highlight potential targets for OL diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The objective of this review was to systematically assess the bioinformatics methods currently used to recognize the molecular aspects of odontogenic lesions (OL). A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to March 2021, following the PRISMA statement. Studies presenting molecular findings of OL through bioinformatics methods were included. From 87 references, 9 full texts were screened, and 5 met the eligibility criteria. The articles were conducted in Europe, North America, and Asia between 2011 to 2020. All studies analyzed ameloblastoma samples, and 1 also used odontogenic keratocyst. Four studies (4, 80%) choose the microarray technology to characterize gene expression of the lesions, whereas 1 study (1/20%) applied the whole exome sequencing technology to identify mutation signatures. The results showed the microarray as a highly efficient approach for establishing gene expression and identifying noncoding transcripts (miRNAs, lncRNAs, and snoRNAs); information about the possible etiology of mandibular ameloblastoma was acquired through whole exome sequencing. The microarray technology was the main method used in this systematic review. Bioinformatics technologies provide insights and highlight potential targets for OL diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.